Daimler presents the new model Freightliner EconicSD on the North American market that is a local copy of the EU Mercedes-Benz Econic. The European version was adapted to the local market making more than 125 changes, although the external differences are minimal: the new model has a different design of the front end.

The main difference is using completely different engines. Instead of a six-cylinder OM 936 LA on the German version, the Freightliner EconicSD got a Detroit Diesel DD8 with a power of 350 hp. In fact, this is the German OM 937, assembled in the US. The automatic transmission is also local — Allison 3000.

The remaining changes are related to using of lighting technology that meets local standards and the adaptation of the chassis to American manufacturers of superstructures — brands Heil and McNeilus.

But most of the electronic safety systems went to Freightliner EconicSD without changes from the German original: from adaptive cruise control to lane keeping system and 360-degree view with cameras placed on all sides. The production of the new model will begin in April 2019.